Police appeal for witnesses after woman dies when car plunges into River Parrett

Police are appealing for witnesses following the death of a woman in the early hours of Sunday morning. The car in which she was a passenger left the road and entered the River Parrett where it quickly became submerged. The driver managed to escape but the teenage passenger was trapped in the submerged vehicle. She was declared dead at the scene.

The man (21) and woman (19) were in the car which was travelling along Broadmead near to the junction with Hawthorn Hill in the direction of Gawbridge Bow at about 1.10am. The road was closed for a detailed examination by collision investigators and re-opened at about 8.30am.

The driver was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Police are now keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, who may have information to help our enquiries. If you can help contact the collision investigation unit on the force number 101.